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This is specifically a question pertaining to solving reccurences via the Master Theorem/Method, particularly for a specified $f(n)$ (as denoted below).

For a recurrence of $$T(n) = a T(\frac{n}{b}) + f(n)$$

where f(n) is $\Theta{(n)}$, would we be comparing $n^{\log_b(a)}$ with $n^{1}$ - meaning we would be comparing $log_b(a)$ with 1? Since the rate of growth is linear?

what about where f(n) is $\Theta{(1)}$ (aka some constant?), would we be comparing $n^{\log_b(a)}$ with $n^{0}$? '0' since there is no rate of growth for a constant?

Raphael
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D. Johnson
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    Don't worry about the proposed duplicate. In a nutshell, the answers to both of your questions is "yes". – Rick Decker Nov 05 '15 at 20:04
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    I don't see what this question is asking that is not answered by (carefully) reading the theorem itself. Okay, maybe if $1 = n^0$, but that's self-evident (assuming high-school mathematics). Hence, I'm closing as duplicate of our reference question, which contains a statement of the theorem with examples. If that doesn't solve your problem, please edit to clarify what that is, exactly. – Raphael Nov 06 '15 at 08:09

1 Answers1

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I think the question is asking how to translate $f(n)$ into Big-Theta notation to be used for the Master Theorem. You have the right idea about switching between notations.

Another way to write the Master Theorem is as follows:

$T(n) = aT(n/b) + \Theta(n^d)$

So, yes, if you have a linearly growing function, then $f(n)$ may be substituted with $\Theta(n)$.

Then you may proceed with your comparisons.

jblakeley
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  • I don't understand what you're trying to say, here. What's the relationship between your statement of the Master Theorem and the line following it? – David Richerby Nov 05 '15 at 23:00
  • @DavidRicherby Note the difference between your post's definition of T(n) and mine. Both are acceptable forms, although I think the one I have written is more useful to your question. So say your function f(n) grows linearly, you may substitute d = 1 into my statement, as you hypothesized. – jblakeley Nov 06 '15 at 23:38